Recording sensor mounting bracket for acoustic pianos

ABSTRACT

A mounting bracket for supporting a key movement recording sensor assembly within a keyboard-operated musical instrument. The mounting bracket of the present invention incorporates a locking mechanism to prevent sensor assembly movement and it preferably conforms to a portion of the hammer flange assembly to reduce vertical space requirements. The locking mechanism, or alternatively the sensor board itself, provides a biasing force for engaging the sensor assembly. Applying a sufficient manual force to a release member on the locking mechanism overcomes the biasing force to unlock the sensor assembly to allow for the insertion, adjustment, or removal of the sensor assembly from the mounting bracket. A keyed retention mechanism augments the sensor assembly to simplify engagement and adjustment of the sensor assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A COMPUTER PROGRAM APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally pertains to keyboard-operated musicalinstruments, and more particularly to a mounting bracket for supportinga recording sensor assembly within an acoustic piano.

2. Description of the Background Art

Acoustic pianos and similar mechanically operated musical instrumentsoften incorporate recording sensors for registering the movement of thekeys during a session in which the instrument is being played. Thesequence of registered key activity may be subsequently utilized by anelectronic player mechanism, in the same instrument or otherinstruments, to activate the keys of the instrument to substantiallyreproduce the music of the original session in which the key movementswere registered.

Recording sensors are typically mounted either beneath the keyboard ofthe instrument to sense the movements associated with each key, or morepreferably proximal to the action stack for sensing the movement of thehammer shanks. It will be appreciated that numerous elements of anacoustic piano are subject to movement in response to the operation of akey. Within a typical piano, for example, key operation may be senseddirectly or by sensing the movement of the hammers, hammer shanks, orother parts which move in response to key operation. A separate sensoris utilized for each key to allow the actions of every key to beproperly registered. It should be appreciated that modern recordingsensors are capable of recording subtle keystroke nuances and can veryaccurately sense the position and velocity with which the keys areoperated. Achieving this level of accuracy, however, requires that thesensors be positioned accurately with respect to each key with theassurance that the position of each sensor will not shift over time. Toachieve sensor positioning accuracy and to simplify mounting, sensorsare generally manufactured within sensor assemblies that contain aplurality of sensor elements. Each sensor assembly typically comprises asubstantially flat printed circuit board upon which the sensor circuitryhas been mounted. On acoustic pianos, the sensor assemblies aregenerally installed above the hammer shanks.

The direct mounting of sensor assemblies proximal to the action stack ofan acoustic piano, without the use of a mounting bracket, can provide acompact installation, however, difficulties arise with regard toinstallation, adjustment, and maintenance of the associated sensorcircuits. In addition, the spacing of internal structures within theinstrument can differ substantially from one piano make and model toanother. Therefore, a number of mounting brackets and rails have beendeveloped by manufacturers for retaining sensor assemblies within avariety of acoustic pianos and other similar musical instruments.

One such mounting apparatus retains sensor assemblies within a mountingrail, such as a U-shaped channel. The use of mounting rails allows theposition of the retained sensor assemblies to be adjusted along thelength of the rail to align with the hammer shanks and then to be lockedin place by inserting and engaging a separate fastener. The use of railmounts and other typical sensor assembly mounts, requires the removal ofone or more fastener elements prior to inserting, adjusting, or removinga sensor assembly.

Utilizing mounts for retaining sensor assemblies within the piano, orequivalent, can also give rise to another set of problems. Inparticular, a situation can arise in which the added size of a mountedsensor assembly interferes with proper hammer motion and therebycompromises the quality of instrument operation. Such a situation mayarise from using a sensor assembly mount that requires more verticalspacing than exists above the hammer shanks within the instrument. Forexample, in the case of a mounting rail, it will be appreciated thatsufficient vertical clearance is necessary for the combination of sensorassembly, the thickness of the mounting rail material, and the clearancebetween the mounting rail and the bottom of the sensor assembly.Furthermore, the adjustment, removal, or re-insertion of a sensorassembly within the mounting device is generally cumbersome, andtypically requires the use of tools for manipulating one or morefasteners.

Therefore, a need exists for a sensor mounting apparatus that simplifiesthe sensor assembly mounting and adjustment process within variousacoustic piano makes and models while minimizing the vertical spacerequirement. The present invention satisfies those needs, as well asothers, and overcomes the deficiencies of previously developed recordingsensor mounting apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a mounting bracket for supporting arecording sensor assembly Within a keyboard-operated musical instrument,such as an acoustic piano, or similar. A sensor assembly may be readilyinserted, adjusted, or removed from the mounting bracket by applying amanual force, such as to a release member, without the need to remove orinstall fasteners. The mounting bracket is capable of supporting asensor assembly in approximately the same vertical space as would berequired to attach the bare sensor assembly within the instrument.

The mounting bracket attaches to the action stack to support a sensorassembly on a portion of the bracket which is attached adjacent to theside of the respective hammer flanges. Since the vertical thickness ofthe bracket supporting the sensor assembly is positioned between thehammer flanges, as contrasted to above the hammer flanges in the case ofa mounting rail, the present mounting bracket can be designed withnegligible vertical space penalty. Therefore, a sensor assembly may bemounted using these brackets in approximately the same vertical space aswould be required to fasten an unmounted sensor assembly to the actionstack. When mounted within an acoustical piano, the portion of thebracket which supports the sensor assembly is joined to a substantiallyhorizontal portion of the bracket that overlies the hammer flange and isadapted with an opening through which the hammer flange fastener hasbeen received. Preferably, the mounting bracket of the present inventionsubstantially conforms to a portion of the horizontal and verticalsurfaces of the hammer flange. It is also preferable that two mountingbrackets be utilized to support each sensor assembly, and that multiplemounting brackets are utilized within the piano to properly maintain theposition of a number of sensor assemblies in relation to the hammershanks, or other moving parts that are activated in response tooperation of the keys. It will be appreciated, however, that the numberof sensor mounting brackets utilized for supporting the sensorassemblies is a matter of choice.

A number of embodiments are described for the present invention whichprovide mechanisms for retaining a sensor assembly within a bracketwhich is designed to occupy a minimum amount of vertical space. Onegroup of embodiments within the present invention support the sensorassembly with a locking mechanism that is configured with a releasemember. A sensor assembly may be received, adjusted, or removed from themounting bracket by applying a sufficient urging force in asubstantially predetermined direction to said release member.Preferably, the release member may be activated by using the fingers orthumb, to apply pressure in the correct direction on the release memberto disengage a locking mechanism. Upon releasing pressure on the releasemember, the locking mechanism supplies a biasing engagement force toengage the sensor assembly and thereby lock its position within themounting bracket. Another embodiment utilizes the characteristics of thesensor board itself to effect retention within the mounting bracket.Shown by way of example is a mounting bracket in which the flexure ofthe sensor assembly itself during receipt within the mounting bracketprovides a biasing force to prevent vibration of the sensor assemblywhile aiding retention of the assembly within the bracket.

The releasable locking mechanism described within the first set ofembodiments of the present invention is shown, by way of example,comprising a combination of a fixed retention member and a biasingretention member. The biasing retention member operating to lock theposition of the sensor board within the mounting bracket. Prior toengagement of the biasing retention member, the fixed retention memberacts as a limiter on vertical and longitudinal sensor assembly motionwhile not restricting lateral motion of the sensor assembly. Whenreleased and allowed to exert a bias force, the biasing engagementmember applies retention pressure to the sensor assembly against thefixed retention member to lock the sensor assembly in a fixed position.It will be appreciated that the biasing retention member may bealternately adapted to exert an extension force in relation to a fixedretention member which engages a portion of the sensor assembly in anopposing direction.

To simplify the insertion, alignment, and positioning of the sensorassembly, a separate keyed retention mechanism is preferablyincorporated within the mounting bracket. The keyed retention mechanismoperates in combination with the locking mechanism. The keyed retentionmechanism engages the sensor assembly to prevent the sensor assemblyfrom shifting in a longitudinal direction which is parallel to thelength of the hammer shanks. The keyed retention mechanism may also beconfigured so as not to be fully insertable within the sensor assemblysuch that the sensor assembly needs to be flexed for engagement withinthe mounting bracket.

It should be appreciated that more than two retention members may beincorporated per each mounting bracket without departing from thepresent invention. The locking retention mechanism, preferably incombination with the keyed retention mechanism, therefore operates tomaintain sensor assembly position at a fixed location within theinstrument to which it is attached so that positional adjustment,insertion, and removal of the sensor assemblies is readily achieved.

An object of the invention is to provide low-profile mounting of sensorassemblies proximal to the hammer shanks within an acoustic piano.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting bracket thatallows for accurate alignment and secure positioning of recording sensorassemblies in relation to the hammer shanks, or other moving partsassociated with the key operation within an acoustic piano.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting bracket thatmay be utilized with a variety of acoustic piano makes and modelswithout compromising the instrument operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bracket for mountingsensor assemblies wherein multiple brackets may be compatibly utilizedper instrument and/or sensor board without interfering with one another.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting bracket that iscapable of retaining the sensor assembly in a fixed location that issubstantially immune to instrument vibration.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting bracket thatmay be readily attached, or removed, from an instrument.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting bracket thatsecurely retains a sensor assembly and prevents inadvertent shifting.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting bracket that iscapable of retaining a sensor assembly without the need of separatefasteners, such as threadable fasteners, wherein the sensor assembly canbe more readily inserted and removed for maintenance and repairs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting bracket fromwhich sensor assemblies may be adjusted, removed, or inserted inresponse to a simple one-touch manual operation by the technician.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bracket design that isreliable and may be manufactured at low cost.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out inthe following portions of the specification, wherein the detaileddescription is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodimentsof the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor assembly received within asmounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention,shown for mounting on the action stack within an acoustic piano.

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIG.1, shown engaging the sensor assembly for retention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket within FIG. 1,shown prior to engaging a sensor assembly therein.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 3, showing thelocking mechanism and keyed retention mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a sensor assembly retained between a pair ofmounting brackets according to an embodiment of the present invention,shown attached to the hammer flange and rail assembly within an acousticpiano.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sensor mounting bracket according toanother embodiment of the present invention, shown having an extendedrelease member.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sensor mounting bracket according toanother embodiment of the present invention, shown utilizing anadditional bend within the biasing retention member to increasecompliance.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sensor mounting bracket according toanother embodiment of the present invention based on FIG. 7, shownwithout a retention tab.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sensor mounting bracket according toanother embodiment of the present invention, shown adapted to rely onthe compliance of the sensor mounting board for position retention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes,the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown inFIG. 1 through FIG. 9. It will be appreciated that the apparatus mayvary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that themethod may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departingfrom the basic concepts as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a mounted sensor assembly 10, wherein asensor assembly 12 is shown retained by a pair of mounting brackets 14,which are shown separate from an acoustic piano into which they would beinstalled. It should be readily appreciated that each mounting bracket14 would typically be installed within an instrument prior toinstallation of sensor assembly 12. A number of sensors (not shown) areincorporated within sensor assembly 12 to sense hammer shank movement,or the movement of other mechanical elements which move in response tothe displacement of the piano keys. A plurality of sensor assemblies aretypically incorporated within a piano so that the operation of every keymay be registered. It will be appreciated that a typical piano requiresa sufficient number of sensors to monitor eighty eight keys.

A pair of mounting brackets 14 are shown retaining sensor assembly 12.The body of each mounting bracket 14 is preferably fabricated from ametallic material, such as spring steel or other easily formed resilientmaterial, and is preferably designed to conform to a portion of thehorizontal and vertical surfaces of the hammer flange assembly to reducevertical space requirements. The mounting brackets should be fabricatedfrom a sufficiently thin material so as not to unduly increase theheight of the mounted sensor board, and should be mechanicallyconfigured so as to accommodate the spacing which exists between thehammer shanks. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the mountingbrackets may be fabricated from a variety of plastics, resins, metals,and so forth without departing from the present invention. A preferredembodiment of the mounting bracket is shown fabricated from a springsteel material of a thickness between approximately ten and thirty milsthat has been cut and bent to shape. Twenty mil spring steel wasutilized within a preferred embodiment as it was found to provide asuitable tradeoff between rigidity and ease of deflection. Mountingbracket 14 comprises a vertical support arm 16 adapted with means forsupportive retention of the sensor assembly, such as a lockingmechanism. The vertical region of the mounting bracket is coupled with ahorizontal region of material that at least partially surrounds amounting cutout 18, whose geometry and orientation provide properlow-clearance engagement under the hammer flange fastener, typically ascrew. Mounting cutout 18 is preferably provided as an open area of asize and shape to accommodate the receipt of the shaft of the hammerflange fastener.

The retention means primarily comprises a locking mechanism that appliesa biasing force to restrict sensor assembly movement. The lockingmechanism is preferably augmented with a keyed retention mechanism thatsimplifies sensor assembly insertion and adjustment. The keyed retentionmechanism prevents longitudinal movement parallel to the hammer shankswhen the locking mechanism is disengaged. The two forms of retentionoperate in concert to provide a secure support in which lateraladjustments may be performed and sensor boards may be inserted orremoved easily.

The keyed retention mechanism can be implemented as a protrusion, suchas a tab that protrudes from the mounting bracket to engage an opening,slot, or similar adaptation within the sensor assembly to preventlongitudinal movement. The keyed retention mechanism is depicted as aretention tab 20 which engages a slot 22 within sensor assembly 12 toassure that the sensor assembly remains in a fixed position and does notshift in the longitudinal direction. The directions of motion inrelation to a supported sensor assembly are represented as longitudinal23 a, lateral 23 b, and vertical 23 c. Protruding retention tab 20 ispreferably tapered to facilitate the receipt and secure engagement withsensor assembly 12. It will also be appreciated that retention tab 20may be configured of a width to allow for only partial insertion withinslot 22 wherein the sensor assembly must be slightly flexed to providefor engagement of the locking mechanism. Partial engagement with thetapered sides of retention tab 20 can also aid in reducing sensor boardmovement by firmly pressing into the material of sensor assembly 12.

The locking mechanism is implemented with a fixed retention member 24used in combination with a biasing retention member 26. Fixed retentionmember 24 is exemplified as a protruding retention structure whichretains a first lateral edge 25 of sensor assembly 12. Biasing retentionmember 26 is exemplified as a spring clip retainer which supplies abiasing force t o engage a second lateral edge 27 of sensor assembly 12in concert with the retention provided by fixed retention member 24.

The sensor assembly itself may be configured with a number of additionalcutouts and adaptations to facilitate mounting of the sensors andcircuits of the sensor assembly. Shown by way of example, are a seriesof eight sensor mounting cutouts 28 spanning sensor assembly 12.

FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view of biasing retention member 26 whichpreferably comprises a spring clip retainer that engages the uppersurface and second lateral edge 27 of sensor assembly 12. It will beappreciated that biasing retention member 26 may be implemented with anycompliantly coupled sensor assembly engagement member, such as anelongated member extending from the mounting bracket having surfaces forengaging the top and edge surface of the sensor assembly to apply abiasing force in concert with the fixed retention member to preventlateral and vertical movement. The keyed retention mechanism isexemplified with opening 22 within sensor assembly 12, such as a slottedlateral aperture, for engagement over retention tab 20. The use of aslotted lateral aperture allows the lateral sensor position to beadjusted when the locking mechanism is at least partially disengaged.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate mounting bracket 14 and the combination ofretention mechanisms. The biasing retention member 26 is formed having aspring clip structure with a first bend 30, a second bend 32, a releasemember 33, and a notch 34 cut into the lower portion of the spring clip.Application of sufficient force to release member 33, in a directionaway from the sensor assembly, disengages the biasing retention member26 to allow a sensor assembly to be removed, or inserted. It will beappreciated that undue force can cause plastic deformation on releasemember 33, wherein the biasing retention force will be adverselyaffected. However, the biasing retention member will normally be subjectto sufficiently small displacements under reasonable care and willthereby retain its spring-like biasing properties for many hundreds ofinsertion, adjustment, and removal cycles. The remaining material abovenotch 34 forms a horizontal edge that vertically restrains sensorassembly movement. The vertical material on the edge of notch 34 engagesthe exterior edge of sensor assembly 12 to apply a biasing forcethereto.

The material of mounting bracket 14 should be sufficiently compliant toallow repeated activation of biasing retention member 26 by applyingpressure to release member 33 for the insertion and removal of sensorassemblies. Although alternative configurations may be utilized toprovide a biased engagement, it should however, be appreciated that theanticipated number of sensor assembly insertion and removal cycles willbe limited during actual use and may not warrant the added cost of moreelaborate biasing mechanisms. Mounting bracket 14 is preferablyfabricated from metal, such as formed within a bending or stampingprocess. The mounting bracket may alternatively be fabricated from othersuitably compliant materials which may be cast, injection molded, orotherwise formed.

A compliance slot 36 is shown cut into support arm 16 to reduce theflexure stress to which bend 30 is subject. Protruding retention tab 20is provided as an extension of upper surface 38 of the vertical portionof support arm 16, and is shaped to engage an opening, or otherengagement structure within sensor assembly 12 to prevent motiontherein. Fixed retention member 24 is exemplified with a retentioncutout notch 40, or slot, which preferably tapers down towards itsclosed end to engage sensor assembly 12, and to thereby prevent verticaland lateral movement. The taper of the cutout notch may be up to aboutfifteen degrees (15°) of angle, with a preferred configuration havingapproximately three degrees (3°) of taper.

Mounting bracket 14 includes a bend 42 at which the material of themounting bracket transitions from a substantially vertical structure toa horizontal surface 44 (FIG. 3) to facilitate mounting to the hammerflange. Mounting cutout 18 located within horizontal mounting surface 44is configured for retention by a fastener, such as a screw approximatelycentered on axis 46 within cutout 18. Typically, mounting bracket 14 isattached by way of the existing hammer flange threaded fasteners. Avertical extension 48 of support arm 16 provides sufficient materialheight to form biasing retention member 26 and illustrates a preferredtapering transition from bend 42 toward horizontal surface 44.

FIG. 5 depicts a sensor assembly 12 being mounted between a pair ofmounting brackets 14, which are depicted being retained by fasteners 50that retain hammer flanges 52 (in phantom) to a hammer rail 54 (inphantom) which makes up a portion of the action stack within an acousticpiano. A hammer rest rail 56 (in phantom) and an action bracket 58 (inphantom) are also shown in relation to the hammer 57 (in phantom) andhammer 59 (in phantom) for reference. It can be seen that sensorassembly 12 is keyed into mounting bracket 14 by way of opening 22 whichengages retention tab 20. action bracket 58 (in phantom) are also shownwithin the instrument for reference. It can be seen that sensor assembly12 is keyed into mounting bracket 14 by way of opening 22 which engagesretention tab 20.

In operation, pressure is applied to biasing retention member 26 throughrelease member 33 to sufficiently displace it so that sensor assembly 12may be received into mounting bracket 14, adjusted laterally, orreleased therefrom. It will be appreciated that disengaging biasingretention member 26 requires the application of pressure to releasemember 33 in a direction away from sensor assembly 12. The disengagingpressure may be preferably applied manually, wherein the user is able toadjust, remove, or insert sensor assembly 12 without the necessity oftools or complex operations. By utilizing release member 33, the sensorassemblies may be inserted, adjusted, or removed with a “one-handed”manual operation. Upon inserting sensor assembly 12 into the pair ofmounting brackets 14, protruding retention tab 20 at least partiallyengages opening 22 in sensor assembly 12. When the user releasespressure on release member 33, the upper portions of biasing member 26slide over the top surface of sensor assembly 12 to provide verticalretention, as retention tab 20 becomes fully engaged within opening 22.It should be appreciated that the mounting bracket may be fabricatedwith biasing member 26 oriented at a slight downward angle, such thatupon release of release member 33, biasing member 26 has a horizontallongitudinal component of motion toward the sensor board 12 and adownward vertical component of motion toward mounting bracket 14. Theedges of notch 34 are driven by biasing member 26 to forcibly engagesecond lateral edge 27 of sensor assembly 12.

FIG. 6 is another embodiment 60 of the invention, which is adapted witha larger biasing retention member 62 having a bend 64 which extends intoa release member 66. It will be appreciated that bend 64 is preferably aslightly more acute angle than second bend 32 found in FIG. 3, toaccommodate the extra length of release member 66. The use of extendedlength release member 66 reduces the required amount of force for theremoval, insertion, or adjusting of the sensor assembly within themounting brackets.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment 70 of the invention which providesadditional compliance within the biasing retention member 72. A firstbend 74 is generally directed in a first lateral direction, a secondbend 76 spans an acute angle and is directed in an opposing secondlateral direction. A third bend 78, shown substantially aligned over thebody of the bracket, limits the extension of the retention member overan inserted sensor assembly. A release member 80 extends from third bend78 to facilitate the application of pressure to the biasing retentionmember 72. A notch 82 in the lower portion of biasing retention member72 is configured to engage the top surface and edge surface of aninserted sensor assembly within bracket 70. It will be appreciated thatthe use of an additional bend within this embodiment of sensor mountingbracket 70 increases the compliance of the bracket and requires theapplication of less pressure for inserting, releasing, and adjusting thesensor assembly retained therein.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment 86 of the invention which does not rely onthe use of a retention tab, but is otherwise identical to the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that sufficient longitudinalretention may be provided by the biasing retention member 72 incombination with fixed retention member 24 to securely retain a sensorassembly without shifting.

FIG. 9 is another embodiment 90 of the invention in which the biasingretention member of the bracket is eliminated and the bracket relies onthe compliance of the sensor assembly itself to provide vibration-freesecure retention within the bracket. A notched retention lip 92comprises a notch 94 over which a retention protrusion 96 is positioned.To insert a sensor assembly within sensor bracket 90, a first edge ofthe sensor assembly is inserted within notch 40 and retention tab 20 ispartially inserted within an engagement slot (not shown). The sensorassembly, typically a printed circuit board, flexes under theapplication of additional pressure and the second edge of the sensorboard may be insertably engaged under retention protrusion 96. It shouldbe appreciated that the sensor assembly does not require a slot forreceiving retention tab wherein the height of retention tab 20 may besubstantially reduced so as just to aid in biasing the sensor assemblyduring insertion. It should be appreciated that the biasing force toprevent vibration of a received sensor assembly may be created in anumber of alternative ways. For example, retention cutout slot 40 offixed retention member 24 may be sufficiently narrow and oriented at asufficient upward angle, such that the opposing end of a sensor assemblyreceived therein is upwardly urged, against which pressure must beapplied to secure the sensor assembly under retention protrusion 96. Itwill be appreciated that this mounting configuration can be utilizedwithout the biasing force which is provided by sensor assembly flexure,however, a certain amount of play can then exist between the sensorassembly and the mounting bracket. Therefore, unless at least one of thesensor mounting brackets retaining a given sensor assembly incorporatesa biasing mechanism the sensor assembly may be subject to vibrationwithin the mounting bracket.

The described mounting brackets and variations which would be obvious toone of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of the presentinvention, may be utilized individually, or in combination, within anacoustic piano or similar device, to retain substantially planarassemblies, such as sensor assemblies within a fixed position. It willbe appreciated that the use of certain bracket combinations couldfacilitate sensor assembly manipulation within the brackets. By way ofexample, the bracket of FIG. 7 may be utilized in combination with thebracket of FIG. 9 to retain a single sensor assembly. The insertion of asensor assembly 12 for retention by the above combination of bracketsallows for the simple removal, or re-insertion of the sensor board byapplying pressure to the sensor board while operating a single releasemember.

Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention provides for themounting of sensor assemblies proximal to the hammer shanks andminimizes the amount of clearance required to reduce the possibilitythat the mounted sensor assembly will interfere with the operation ofthe instrument. In addition, the invention simplifies the attachment andremoval of sensor assemblies from above the hammer shanks within theacoustic piano, or similar mechanically operated device. It will beappreciated that the described embodiment of the sensor assemblymounting bracket provides retention of a sensor assembly within thebracket without using threaded fasteners while it retains the sensorassembly in a fixed position incapable of shifting. A quick releaselocking mechanism for attaching the sensor assemblies to the mountingbrackets is preferably implemented as a biasing retention member, suchas a spring clip, having a release member. It should, however, beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that a number ofalternative forms of quick release mechanism may be substituted withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore,although the locking mechanism is exemplified for engaging the exterioredges of the sensor assembly, it may alternatively be adapted to engageany location on the sensor assembly which is configured with a suitableopening, or other form of engagement receptacle.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope ofthe present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which maybecome obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of thepresent invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than theappended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, butrather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functionalequivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodimentthat are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expresslyincorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed bythe present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or methodto address each and every problem sought to be solved by the presentinvention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore,no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure isintended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether theelement, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A recording sensor assembly in combination with amounting bracket for supporting said recording sensor assembly in anacoustic piano or equivalent keyboard operated musical instrument,comprising: a horizontal attachment member adapted to attach to an uppersurface of a hammer flange; a vertical support member attached to saidhorizontal attachment member, and one or more sensor assembly engagementmechanisms joined to said vertical support member that operate incombination to secure the received sensor assembly within the mountingbracket, wherein at least one of said sensor engagement mechanismscomprises a biased engagement mechanism for retaining the sensorassembly under the action of a biasing force.
 2. A mounting bracket asrecited in claim 1; wherein said horizontal attachment member is adaptedwith an opening through which a hammer flange retention fastener may beinserted for attachment to said upper surface of said hammer flange. 3.A mounting bracket as recited in claim 1: wherein said vertical supportmember is oriented to occupy space between adjacent hammer flanges whensaid horizontal attachment member is attached to the upper surface ofsaid hammer flange.
 4. A mounting bracket as recited in claim 3, whereinsaid vertical support member positions said sensor assembly above saidhammer flange.
 5. A mounting bracket as recited in claim 1: wherein saidbiasing force is supplied by a biasing retention member on said mountingbracket.
 6. A mounting bracket as recited in claim 5, furthercomprising: a fixed retention member adapted to provide an opposingengagement force in opposition to the biasing force generated by saidbiasing retention member.
 7. A mounting bracket for supporting arecording sensor assembly within an acoustic piano or equivalentkeyboard operated musical instrument, comprising: a support memberadapted for attachment to a hammer flange within said instrument; asensor board retention member joined to said support member and adaptedto receive and retain said recording sensor assembly, said sensor boardretention member comprising: a fixed retention member for restrictingmotion of said recording sensor assembly along one or more axis; abiasing retenton member for engaging said sensor assembly in combinationwith said fixed retention member; wherein said biasing retention memberapplies a biasing force to a received sensor assembly to secure saidsensor assembly from shifting and vibration; and a protruding retentiontab engagement member extending from said sensor board retention member;said retention tab adapted to engage a matching receptacle of saidsensor assembly upon receipt therein within said support member.
 8. Amounting bracket as recited in claim 7: wherein said support member isadapted with an aperture through a substantially horizontal portion ofsaid support member through which a hammer flange fastener may beinserted to attach said support member to a hammer flange within saidinstrument.
 9. A mounting bracket as recited in claim 7: wherein aportion of said support member is adapted for positioning between hammerflanges in said instrument.
 10. A mounting bracket as recited in claim9: wherein said support member is shaped with a horizontal portion forattachment over the hammer flanges and an attached vertical portion forpositioning between the hammer flanges.
 11. A mounting bracket asrecited in claim 10: wherein said support member is adapted tosubstantially conform to the hammer flange to which it is attached. 12.A mounting bracket as recited in claim 7: wherein said biasing force iscreated by flexing of said sensor assembly upon being engaged with saidbiasing retention member.
 13. A mounting bracket as recited in claim 7:wherein said biasing retention member is compliant and flexes uponreceipt of said sensor assembly to apply said biasing force thereto. 14.A mounting bracket as recited in claim 13: wherein said biasingretention member comprises a spring clip retainer which supplies saidbiasing force to engage said sensor assembly.
 15. A mounting bracket asrecited in claim 7: wherein said retention tab is adapted for at leastpartial insertion within an aperture of said sensor assembly to bereceived within said support member.
 16. An apparatus for supporting arecording sensor assembly in an acoustic piano or equivalent keyboardoperated musical instrument, comprising: a mounting bracket adapted forattachment to a hammer flange within said instrument; a lockingmechanism incorporated within said mounting bracket that is adapted toreceive said recording sensor assembly and apply a biased engagementforce thereto; and a release member on said locking mechanism that whenacted upon by a sufficient force in a substantially predetermineddirection disengages said biased engagement force to allow for theadjustment, removal, or receipt of said sensor assembly; and a keyedretention mechanism which engages said sensor assembly during insertionto restrict longitudinal movement thereof.
 17. An apparatus as recitedin claim 16: wherein said attachment adaptation of said mounting bracketcomprises a portion of said mounting bracket that at least partiallyencircles an open area through which a fastener may be engaged to retainsaid mounting bracket.
 18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17: whereinsaid open area is of a size and shape for receipt of the shaft of ahammer flange fastener in said instrument.
 19. An apparatus as recitedin claim 16: wherein said mounting bracket is shaped to conform to aportion of the horizontal and vertical surfaces of a hammer flangeassembly to which it may be affixed.
 20. An apparatus as recited inclaim 19, wherein said mounting bracket comprises: a horizontal mountingbracket surface for retention on the horizontal surface of a hammerflange; and a vertical mounting bracket surface joined to saidhorizontal mounting bracket surface into which said locking mechanism isincorporated.
 21. An apparatus as recited in claim 20: wherein saidmounting bracket comprises a metallic material having at least one bendto form said horizontal and said vertical surface.
 22. An apparatus asrecited in claim 21: wherein said metallic material comprises springsteel of a thickness between 10 and 30 mils.
 23. An apparatus recited inclaim 16: wherein the keyed retention mechanism comprises a protrusionadapted to engage a portion of said sensor assembly.
 24. An apparatus asrecited in claim 23: wherein said protrusion is shaped to engage anopening within said sensor assembly.
 25. An apparatus as recited inclaim 24: wherein said protrusion is shaped to engage a slotted lateralaperture within said sensor assembly; and wherein said protrusionengaged in said slotted lateral aperture prevents the longitudinalmovement of said received sensor assembly within said mounting bracket.26. An apparatus as recited in claim 25, wherein said locking mechanism,comprises: a fixed retention member adapted to engage said sensorassembly at a first location; and a biasing retention member adapted toapply a biasing force to substantially lock said sensor assembly withinsaid mounting bracket.
 27. An apparatus as recited in claim 26: whereinsaid fixed retention member comprises a notched protrusion of saidmounting bracket; and wherein said notched protrusion is adapted toengage the material of said sensor assembly when said sensor assembly isinserted into said mounting bracket.
 28. An apparatus as recited inclaim 26: wherein said biasing retention member is adapted to allow fordisplacement thereof to allow for the insertion, adjustment, or removalof said sensor assembly.
 29. An apparatus as recited in claim 26,wherein said biasing retention member comprises: a compliantly coupledsensor assembly engagement member extending from said mounting bracket;said compliantly coupled sensor assembly engagement member adapted toapply a biasing force to a sensor assembly which has been inserted intosaid mounting bracket; and wherein said biasing force acts in concertwith said fixed retention member to prevent lateral or verticaldisplacement of said sensor assembly.
 30. An apparatus as recited inclaim 29, wherein said compliantly coupled sensor assembly engagementmember comprises: an elongated member extending from said mountingbracket; and said elongated member having surfaces to engage a topsurface and edge surface within said sensor assembly and apply saidbiasing force thereto.
 31. An apparatus as recited in claim 30: whereinsaid elongated member is adapted with a notch; wherein said notch has ahorizontal edge for engaging the top surface of said sensor assembly;and wherein said notch has a vertical edge for engaging an edge surfacewithin said sensor assembly.
 32. An apparatus as recited in claim 31:wherein said vertical edge of said notch is adapted to engage anexterior edge of said sensor assembly.
 33. An apparatus as recited inclaim 32: wherein said elongated member comprises an elongated portionextending from said mounting bracket to provide a manually operablespring clip retainer.
 34. An apparatus as recited in claim 30: whereinsaid elongated member includes at least one bend to provide forcompliant movement therein.
 35. A mounting bracket for supporting arecording sensor assembly within an acoustic piano or equivalentkeyboard operated musical instrument, comprising: (a) a support memberadapted for attachment within said instrument; (b) a sensor boardretention member joined to said support member and adapted to receiveand retain said recording sensor assembly; and (c) a protrudingretention tab engagement member joined to said sensor board retentionmember; (d) said retention tab adapted to engage a matching receptacleof said sensor assembly upon receipt therein within said support member;(e) wherein said sensor board retention member comprises one or moreengagement members which secure said sensor assembly within saidmounting bracket; (f) wherein at least one of said engagement memberscomprises (i) a fixed retention member for restricting motion along oneor more axis; and (ii) a biased retention member for engaging saidsensor assembly in combination with said fixed retention member; (iii)wherein said biasing retention member applies a biasing force to saidsensor assembly to secure said sensor assembly from shifting andvibration within said mounting bracket.
 36. A mounting bracket asrecited in claim 35: wherein said retention tab is adapted for at leastpartial insertion within an aperture of said sensor assembly.
 37. Anapparatus for supporting a recording sensor assembly in an acousticpiano or equivalent keyboard operated musical instrument, comprising: amounting bracket adapted for attachment within said instrument; alocking mechanism incorporated within said mounting bracket that isadapted to receive said recording sensor assembly and apply a biasedengagement force thereto; a release member on said locking mechanismthat when acted upon by a sufficient force in a substantiallypredetermined direction disengages said biased engagement force to allowfor the adjustment, removal, or receipt of said sensor assembly; and akeyed retention mechanism which engages said sensor assembly duringinsertion to restrict longitudinal movement thereof.
 38. An apparatus asrecited in claim 37: wherein said attachment adaptation of said mountingbracket comprises a portion of said mounting bracket that at leastpartially encircles an open area through which a fastener may be engagedto retain said mounting bracket.
 39. An apparatus as recited in claim37: wherein said open area is of a size and shape for receipt of theshaft of a hammer flange fastener in said instrument.
 40. An apparatusas recited in claim 37: wherein said mounting bracket is shaped toconform to a portion of the horizontal and vertical surfaces of a hammerflange assembly to which it may be affixed.
 41. An apparatus as recitedin claim 40, wherein said mounting bracket comprises: a horizontalmounting bracket surface for retention on the horizontal surface of ahammer flange; and a vertical mounting bracket surface joined to saidhorizontal mounting bracket surface into which said locking mechanism isincorporated.
 42. An apparatus as recited in claim 41: wherein saidmounting bracket comprises a metallic material having at least one bendto form said horizontal and said vertical surface.
 43. An apparatus asrecited in claim 42: wherein said metallic material comprises springsteel of a thickness between 10 and 30 mils.
 44. An apparatus recited inclaim 37: wherein the keyed retention mechanism comprises a protrusionadapted to engage a portion of said sensor assembly.
 45. An apparatus asrecited in claim 44: wherein said protrusion is shaped to engage anopening within said sensor assembly.
 46. An apparatus as recited inclaim 45: wherein said protrusion is shaped to engage a slotted lateralaperture within said sensor assembly; and wherein said protrusionengaged in said slotted lateral aperture prevents the longitudinalmovement of said received sensor assembly within said mounting bracket.47. An apparatus as recited in claim 46, wherein said locking mechanism,comprises: a fixed retention member adapted to engage said sensorassembly at a first location; and a biasing retention member adapted toapply a biasing force to substantially lock said sensor assembly withinsaid mounting bracket.
 48. An apparatus as recited in claim 47: whereinsaid fixed retention member comprises a notched protrusion of saidmounting bracket; and wherein said notched protrusion is adapted toengage the material of said sensor assembly when said sensor assembly isinserted into said mounting bracket.
 49. An apparatus as recited inclaim 47: wherein said biasing retention member is adapted to allow fordisplacement thereof to allow for the insertion, adjustment, or removalof said Sensor assembly.
 50. An apparatus as recited in claim 47,wherein said biasing retention member comprises: a compliantly coupledsensor assembly engagement member extending from said mounting bracket;said compliantly coupled sensor assembly engagement member adapted toapply a biasing force to a sensor assembly which has been inserted intosaid mounting bracket; and wherein said biasing force acts in concertwith said fixed retention member to prevent lateral or verticaldisplacement of said sensor assembly.
 51. An apparatus as recited inclaim 50, wherein said compliantly coupled sensor assembly engagementmember comprises: an elongated member extending from said mountingbracket; and said elongated member having surfaces to engage a topsurface and edge surface within said sensor assembly and apply saidbiasing force thereto.
 52. An apparatus as recited in claim 51: whereinsaid elongated member is adapted with a notch; wherein said notch has ahorizontal edge for engaging the top surface of said sensor assembly;and wherein said notch has a vertical edge for engaging an edge surfacewithin said sensor assembly.
 53. An apparatus as recited in claim 52:wherein said vertical edge of said notch is adapted to engage anexterior edge of said sensor assembly.